SAP FERC Implementation with HPC UFA

Another utility company has selected HPC America to implement a best practices FERC regulatory accounting solution in its SAP system. This latest project will strengthen the utility's preparation for and position in rate cases; reduce reliance on processes outside the ERP; and optimize the use of internal and PM orders—all while minimizing disruption to field operations.

To modernize its regulatory accounting configuration and support future growth, the utility has selected HPC Utility Financials Accelerator (UFA), which is certified by SAP as powered by the NetWeaver® technology platform. HPC UFA improves the trace functionality and reporting capabilities of the legacy SAP FERC solution—which HPC had originally created for Pacific Gas & Electric and then sold to SAP in the mid-nineties—and also provides advanced recasting and budgeting features for regulatory reporting on SAP. HPC UFA will allow the utility to go live with its new FERC solution in time for 2015 reporting.

In addition, the project includes replacement of an extensive assessment process with an overhead-centric model that will improve transparency of labor burdens for benefits, payroll taxes, PTO, supervision, engineering, A&G transfer to construction, and store expense burdens on material issues. HPC advocates this design to minimize reliance on difficult-to-understand assessments, improve the predictability of estimating job costs, ensure that shared costs are applied as fairly as possible across WBS elements, and increase the efficiency of the month-end close.

SAP FICO/FERC Expert Duane Fritz Joins HPC America

HPC America is pleased to announce that SAP FICO/FERC expert Duane Fritz has joined HPC as a Senior SAP Consultant. Reinforcing our team's longstanding expertise in utility financials, regulatory accounting, and work management, Duane brings twenty years of experience in the Utilities and Oil & Gas industries, and more than 17 years of SAP experience. 

While at Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Anadarko Petroleum, KBR, Inc., and Enron, Duane configured and supported SAP ERP applications; held team lead and managerial responsibilities; contributed to three full life-cycle SAP R/3 implementations; fulfilled internal and external reporting and audit requirements; and developed SAP redesign and upgrade strategies. Duane has deep expertise in SAP FI, CO, FERC, and FSCM, and additional experience with JVA, AR, AP, HR-Payroll & Time, MM, PP, PS, SD, BCS, and BW. He holds a B.S. in Accounting.

Duane's relationship with HPC extends back to the late-1990s, when HPC assisted OG&E with the implementation of the FERC module, which HPC had originally built for Pacific Gas & Electric and then sold to SAP for distribution to other utilities on SAP. "I'm thrilled that Duane has joined HPC's team of utility finance experts," commented Jerry Cavalieri, CEO of HPC. "I've known him since the early days of SAP FERC reporting and our FERC group in ASUG, and am confident that his experience will benefit HPC's customers as they seek to modernize SAP Financials for utilities."